Point and Click Measuring and Drawing Device and Method

ABSTRACT

The invention is comprised of an assembly of hardware and software components for the purpose of measuring and drawing real life dimensions. With the present invention, an user defines a starting position in a spectrum of at least two coordinates. In a preferred embodiment all elements are integrated as one portable unit. The hardware elements comprise a point and click mechanism, whose operation is similar to a computer mouse, a display or viewing unit to act as a monitor, optional data input means, including but not limited to buttons and keys, and means to power the device. The software element is generally defined by an application that allows tracing, drawing, measuring, calculating and saving data from real life physical areas by the interaction of the point-and-click mechanism, in optional combination with the data input means. The task is executed by the extrapolation of real life dimensions by successively selecting and clicking on defining points, resulting on a scaled down drawing recorded on the device and displayed on the viewing screen. Complex shape areas arc calculated by segmenting them into regular geometrical shapes. Curvilinear and irregularly complex shapes are reticulated, so each reticle compartment&#39;s area is calculated and the entire shape area is calculated by the addition of all reticle&#39;s compartments for optimum precision and accuracy.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/861,051, filed Aug. 1, 2013, entitled “Point and Click Measurement and Drawing System” and 61/914,443, filed May 9, 2011, entitled “Point and Click Measurement and Drawing System”, by the present inventor and both of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This invention relates to a Point-and-Click apparatus or assembly of components that conveniently allows the tracing and measuring of real life two dimensional areas into a scaled down electronic file that can be further shared, saved and edited.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Description of Prior Art

Measurement of dimensions has been a constant need in human civilization since the beginning of times. After the universal adoption of arabic numerals in the second millennium BC, the need to calculate and determine physical dimensions and sizes has always been a priority in society and human interactions.

Thus, different systems to calculate dimensions have been created in different cultures around the world, resulting in the two main standards that nowadays prevail in the calculation of length, width and height: The British System and the Metric System.

For many centuries, there were the original ‘tape measures’. These ‘tape measures’ were replications of the established standards in the form of wood, paper, cloth or any other materials that allow the user to measure any item or any distance by laying these materials against the item, space or area being measured.

For some time, articulated wooden or metallic tape measures were used, with all the limitations that this system entails. Then, the retractable, roll up tape measure was introduced.

The ubiquitous retractable roll up tape measure became a standard around 1872 after U.S. Patent 5009 to A. J. Fellows was issued, and it remains a very popular item, despite the fact that in most cases, two persons are necessary to take measurements, and that measurements are limited to one at a time.

In late 20th and early 21st century, a number of high tech designs found their way into the marketplace. Like all the preceding attempts in history, these efforts were limited to measuring from point A to Point B, and giving only dimensions on a one by one instance pattern. None of these designs is apt to aid in drawing a two dimensional area.

Important examples include several optical, laser and ultrasonic distance one-dimensional systems, like products by the following manufacturers: Leica™, Agatec™, Bosk™, Sick™, Stanley™, Ryobi™, Northwest Instrument™, Dewalt™, Craftsman™, Johnson™, Prexis™, Milwankee™, etc., some with very high levels of precision of up to 1/16″ within a range of 230 ft, like the Bosch™ Laser Distance Measurer GLR225, which claims to provide a total of 30,000 individual measurements with one single battery charge. But again, they are all limited to measuring only one dimension and unable to be adapted as a drawing tool.

Notable examples of patent documents include:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,162 to Dan Tyroler for a method and apparatus for distance measurement of two points relying on the angular calculations of two light beams projected from the apparatus at the two points whose distance is being measured, And that is precisely the main disadvantage of Tyroler with respect to the present invention: that it is limited to measure the distance between a maximum of two points. And it is, therefore impossible to use the apparatus to draw, trace and measure a two dimensional area.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,804,606 to Yin-Bo YU et al, relates to a portable electronic measuring device and method to measure only the distance between two points. This patent also prevents the possibility of readily drawing and measuring a two dimensional area with the device.

US Patent Application 20130260824 to Chen refers to a mobile phone emitting signals to a first point and a second point so the distance between both points is calculated through a first distance measuring member and a second distance measuring member, plus an arithmetic module that calculates the distance between the readings of both distance measuring member.

Shortcomings of this Patent Application include the inability to measure more than two consecutive points and the inability to draw a two dimensional area.

As of to date, there is no measurement system that allows multiple readings of dimensions, much less readings of two-dimensional areas and even less, electronically tracing, drawing and calculations of two dimensional areas. No system allows the drawing and extrapolation of an existing area into a computer software application.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with the present invention, an embodiment example of the device is powered by a battery or batteries, which may be rechargeable. This embodiment example comprises hardware and software.

Hardware includes a body, which further comprises point and click means, a monitor or display screen and other optional items, like for instance, keys, buttons, a tracking ball or a touch panel to act as a mouse.

Also, the screen may be touch sensitive to enable other features and tools, like keyboard, magnifying glass, scroll up, scroll down and scroll side-wise, etc.

Software is defined by a line or vector drawing application similar to CorelDraw™ or an architectural or technical tracing program. Some of these systems relate to two dimensional drawings and some relate to three dimensional drawings. Both of these scenarios are contemplated for this invention.

The device allows to selectively draw and measure one-dimensional lines and two-dimensional areas.

The pointing function is executed through at least one of several existing systems, Some of these systems are tangible, like a contraption similar to a mechanic tracking computer mouse or an optical computer mouse that is appended to an elongated member extending from the body of the invention. This elongated member may optionally be retractable, telescopic and/or removable.

Other systems are intangible, like, for instance: light beams, laser, waves, etc.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of media to act as the pointing means of the present invention:

-   -   Mechanical Tracking (including balls and wheels)     -   Optical Tracking,     -   Light Beams,     -   Laser Distance Measurers,     -   Ultrasonic Distance Measurers,     -   Global Positioning Systems,     -   Photogrammetry,     -   Triangulation,     -   Indoor Positioning Systems,     -   Electromagnetic Locators,     -   Earth's Magnetic Field,     -   High Frequency Radio Waves,     -   Point Finders,     -   Radar,     -   Surveying Total Stations.

Clicking on a first point and then on a second point, will produce a trace and measurement of a one dimensional line which is readily displayed on the screen.

For two dimensional drawings and measurements, a page of a predetermined size is defined for each job or document, in a manner similar to how it is done in drawing computer programs like CorelDraw™, Adobe Illustrator™ and architectural or technical drawing programs.

Optional margins are assigned to this page. An initial position of a cursor is assigned. Margins and position of cursor may be set as a default for subsequent jobs, or may be discretionarily changed, as desired.

Likewise, if a particular embodiment dictates margins and in a particular job, no margins are desired, the margins may be set to coincide with the edges of the document page, or a ‘no margin’ option may be provided.

Successive clicks of different points will produce a two dimensional area or multiple lines on a two dimensional plane, with corresponding dimensions.

If at one point the successive points must be discontinued, a escape key, double clicking, or similar means may be activated to interrupt the tracing. Then point-and-clicking may be resumed at another point as needed.

Irregular and complex shapes are electronically segmented by the device's software into geometrical shapes and appropriate formulas are applied to each of these steps to calculate their partial areas. A total area is obtained by the addition of all partial areas.

When irregular areas or irregular sections of an area are encountered, the software may provide approximations by ‘rounding up’ or ‘rounding down’ calculations.

Alternatively, the software may electronically micro-compartmentalize an irregular area to a reticle of compartments of any predetermined size, including a pixel-like dimension or smaller, whereby a very accurate and precise area may be measured by calculating each compartment fully fitting within the perimeter of the traced area, and then, adding all compartments, regardless of complexities or irregularities of the general area.

Software commands may be embedded in a touch sensitive screen or may be enabled by ad-hoc keys on the device. These commands may vary in complexity and detail, but in a basic embodiment they may comprise ‘Page Set Up’, ‘Open’, ‘Save’, ‘Save As’, ‘Undo’, ‘Redo’, ‘Preview’, ‘View’, ‘Escape’, ‘Print’, ‘Tools’.

The ‘Tools’ Command may further comprise the type of tracing tool to be used, like ‘2-point’, ‘Bezier’, ‘Freehand’, etc.

A ‘2-Point’ tool is used for one-dimensional tracing, from a first point to a second point.

A ‘Bezier’ tool is used to trace multiple consecutive points. When the sequence must be interrupted, a escape key may be depressed. Alternatively, double clicking or other system may be adopted to achieve this purpose.

A ‘Freehand’ tool is to trace curves and irregular shapes.

Then, it is also possible to discretionarily select the measuring system, e.g. Metric or Anglo. This further enables switching from one system to another at any given time and thereby obtain any and all equivalences. It is also possible to ascertain the distance of two nodes by hovering the cursor over the line connecting them.

Other hardware and software features may further expand the possibilities of the invention. Thus, it is possible to have portable media ports, USB or other kind of connections to cooperate with a computer or other devices, camera, etc.

Likewise, it is possible to insert clip art items, stock photo, geometrical shapes, etc. through the drawing and measuring software.

Also, and within the scope of the invention it is possible to assign colors to different area and lines, edit the nodes or vectors that define the traced area, assign different thickness to lines as desired, alternatively use continuous lines or dotted lines, change fonts and styles, edit text, etc. In any event, editing can always be performed at a later time on a computer which has the software of the present invention installed, and which is part of the present description, and deemed to be proprietary.

It is to be understood that while the above described embodiment is given as an example, other substitutions and variations are possible within the scope of the invention. Also, it is possible to have the elements integrated as one unit, or to be made up of separate parts.

Additionally, there might be multiple embodiments of the invention with different levels of detail and complexity to suit particular and specific needs, markets, budgets and preferences.

Likewise, some embodiments may be enhanced by interacting with a tripod or other stabilizing means.

It is also to be understood that the defining elements of the present invention may be adapted to cooperate with existing hardware units like mobile phones and portable computers and so called tablets. In such cases, a pointing peripheral may be connected to the hardware and clicking may be performed from the device's touch screen, or ad-hoc tangible keys.

Other aspects of the invention will result obvious in light of the scope of the present description and the state of the art.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION

The following are specific objects and advantages of the present invention:

-   -   1. To measure one dimensional lines, spaces and distances.     -   2. To trace and measure all lines in a two dimensional area.     -   3. To perform a rendering of a two dimensional area.     -   4. To calculate the total square area of a two dimensional         shape.     -   5. To expand the limits and distances that can be measured.     -   6. To enable one single person to perform the above functions.     -   7. To accomplish the above functions with a light in weight         portable device.     -   8. To eliminate the tedious and time consuming task of sketching         by hand the area be measured and to then note one-by one all the         dimensions in an area.     -   9. To eliminate the tedious and time consuming task of executing         a final drawing of the area measured.     -   10. To enable the ability to compartmentalize a general         irregularly shaped area into regular geometrical shapes, whereby         the area of each geometrical shape is measured, and the total         area is calculated by the addition of all the individual         geometrical shapes' areas.     -   11. To enable the possibility to ‘round up’ and ‘round down’ any         given measurement or distance.     -   12. To enable the possibility to reticulate or pixilate any         curvilinear shape, so the area may be optimally calculated by         the addition of all compartments or pixels within the boundaries         of said curvilinear shape.     -   13. To minimize risks of error associated with manual measuring         and drawing of an area.     -   14. To readily afford the possibility to save, replicate, share,         transmit, publish and print the document created with the         invention.     -   15. To further enable editing of the document created with the         invention.     -   16. To instantly enable all the dimensions to be converted from         one standard to another. e.g. from Metric to Anglo, yards,         picas, etc.     -   17. To enable different versions of a point and click measuring         and drawing system to suit different applications, markets,         budgets, preferences, etc.

18. To readily provide software compatible with the several computer systems and computer operating systems available for further editing and enhancing of the drawings achieve through the present invention.

19. As a result of all of the above, to achieve substantial savings of time and money.

20. As a result of all of the above, to optimize productivity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, some closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 Shows in perspective view a subject using an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a one dimensional measure of a line, and its reading, in numerical value.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mobile phone adapted to embody the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the present invention,

FIG. 8 is a depiction of a one dimensional line.

FIG. 9 is a depiction of a two dimensional shape.

FIG. 10 is a depiction of a curvilinear two dimensional shape.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a building lay-out comprised of several geometrical shapes.

FIG. 12a is a plan view of a curvilinear shaped lay-out.

FIG. 12b is a magnified detail of a portion of FIG. 12 a.

FIG. 12c is a magnified detail of a portion of FIG. 12 b.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of steps to use the present invention.

FIGS. 14a through FIG. 14f show in a progressive manner in plan view the page set up and subsequent steps to measure a two dimensional area.

FIG. 15 shows in plan view an embodiment of the present invention displaying on the monitoring screen a layout traced and measured.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

In the drawings, some reference numbers are appended by a letter to indicate a variation thereof. The following are the basic reference numerals without any appended letters.

-   -   20 Unit example of the invention     -   22 Body     -   24 Pointer (Pointing Means)     -   26 Monitoring screen     -   28 Keys or buttons     -   30 Clicker (Clicking means)     -   32 Handle     -   34 Traced line (One dimensional drawing)     -   36 Reading of measurement     -   38 Nodes     -   40 Two dimensional area     -   42 Section of two dimensional area     -   44 Section of two dimensional area     -   46 Section of two dimensional area     -   48 Section of two dimensional area     -   50 Section of two dimensional area     -   52 Perimeter of two dimensional area     -   54 Circled detail I     -   46 Coordinate assembly     -   58 Coordinate lines     -   60 Circled detail II     -   62 Compartment     -   64 Page of document/project     -   66 Margins     -   68 Cursor     -   70 Traced line (Two dimensional drawing)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the present invention 20, having a body 22, and projecting from such body a telescopic pointer 24 (point and click mechanism). Pointer 24 may alternatively be a fixed pole, may be removable or may be embodied as an intangible mechanism like for instance, light beams, sound waves or other type of signals.

The body further has a monitoring screen 26, and commanding keys 28.

A side view of the same embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, where a clicker 30 enables clicking of selected points and handle 32 aids in carrying and holding the device.

An alternate set of commanding keys 28 for this embodiment is shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 depicts a light or laser beam 24A acting as Clicker 24 (Point and click mechanism or pointer), projecting from an embodiment of this invention 20, while being used.

A plan view of an embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 5 further depicts a one-dimensional line 34 produced by nodes 38A and 38B and visible on the monitoring screen 26 along the numerical length reading 36 of the one-dimensional line. A pointer 24 to emit light, laser beams, or other signals is also shown.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention adapted to a mobile phone, and such mobile phone having a touch sensitive screen 26, that enables display of commanding keys 28 and other features in the public domain (not shown). A pointer 24 to emit light beams is installed in the Stereo Jack of the phone. Alternatively, a tangible point and click mechanism or pointer may be installed on the phone (not shown)

A block diagram of the conceptual parts and steps of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7.

A one-dimensional line 34, starting at node 384 and finishing at node 38B is shown in FIG. 8. A ‘Two-Point’ tracing tool was used to trace line 34. Size of nodes was exaggerated in this drawing for enhanced visibility.

FIG. 9, shows a two dimensional area. An initial and final click defines Node 38X. Nodes 38 were produced by a ‘Bezier ’ tracing tool and indicate all pivotal points that define shape 40. Size of nodes was exaggerated to enhance visibility in the drawing.

A curvilinear shape 40 was traced with a Freehand tool as shown in FIG. 10, Node 38X marks the beginning and the end of this curvilinear tracing. Again, the size of the node appears exaggerated for enhanced visibility.

The present invention enables segmentation of an irregular or complex area into separate geometrical shapes for calculations. As seen in FIG. 11, total area 40, is segmented into regional areas 42 (rectangle), 44 (semi-circle), 46 (rectangle), 48 (rectangle) and 50 (rectangle). Section 50, representing stairs may further be segmented onto the steps of the staircase, made up of 6 rectangles. The addition of all partial areas will result in the total general area 40.

FIG. 12a depicts a curvilinear, asymmetrical area 40, having a perimeter 52. Circle 54 isolates a detail of area 40, shown in magnified detail in FIG. 12b . In FIG. 12b , coordinates 56 are comprised of lines 58, which define compartments or pixels, some of which are isolated by circle 60. FIG. 12c shows in a magnified detail circle 60 and a compartment or pixel unit 62. The calculation and addition of all compartments or pixels 62 within the perimeter 52 of area 40 enable a substantially accurate and precise measurement of area 40 in an unprecedented fashion.

Block diagram of FIG. 13 represents a synopsis of the necessary steps to use the embodiment example of the present invention.

A progressive, step by step task of measuring and drawing a two dimensional area is shown in FIGS. 14a through 14 f. Thus, FIG. 14a represents the assignment of a page having a selected size and shape 64 within the software of the present invention. Then, FIG. 14b shows the position of margins 66 on that page. While this is an optional step, in some embodiments these margins may be a part of the software. If, they are then undesirable for a particular project, they may be voided by positioning them on the edges of the page, or a “No-Margins” option may be provided. FIG. 14c shows the initial positioning of cursor 68.

Initial tracings 70 are shown in FIG. 14d . A more advanced stage of tracings 70 is shown in FIG. 14e . FIG. 14f shows tracings 70 concluded, and the drawing of the desired lay-out fully executed.

When tracing must be discontinued to reflect an opening or a void space, a escape key may be depressed, or double clicking the clicker, or any other suitable system may be implemented for that purpose.

Partial and total dimensions may be displayed at all times, or may be selectively accessed by tracking keys, a built-in tracking ball, a touch pad, or touch screen mechanisms already in the public domain.

In FIG. 15 an embodiment of the present invention 20 is depicted. A fully traced layout 70 is shown within page 64 in screen 26. Additionally, tracking key 28A is shown. Tracking key 28A may be replaced by virtual means on a touch sensitive screen (not shown), or a tracking built-in ball or touch pad.

FIG. 15 also shows appendix 24A to emit light beams or signals, to act as pointer 24, and FIG. 15 also displays measurement readings 36. 

I claim:
 1. A point-and-click measuring and drawing device comprising: a) a power source, b) a central processing unit, c) a drawing and measuring software application installed onto said central processing unit, d) pointing means connected to said central processing unit, e) clicking means connected to said central processing unit, f) a viewing display unit connected to said central processing unit, so when an user points and clicks to at least two points in a real life scenario, a drawing of at least one line is achieved through said drawing and measuring software application and displayed on said viewing display unit on a proportionally reduced scale depicting the real life dimensions.
 2. The point-and-click measuring and drawing device of claim 1, wherein said pointing means is selected from the group consisting of: Optical Tracking, Mechanical Tracking, Light Beams, Laser Distance Measurers, Ultrasonic Distance Measurers, Global Positioning Systems, Photogrammetry, Triangulation, Indoor Positioning Systems, Electromagnetic Locators, Earth's Magnetic Field, High Frequency Radio Waves, Digital Point Finders, Radar and Surveying Total Stations.
 3. The point and click measuring and drawing device of claim 1 wherein said device further comprises data input means.
 4. The point and click measuring and drawing device of claim 3 wherein said data input means are buttons.
 5. The point and click measuring device of claim 1 wherein said viewing display unit is touch sensitive whereby virtual tools are enabled.
 6. A point and click measuring and drawing device comprising: a) a power source, b) a central processing unit, c) a drawing and measuring software application installed onto said central processing unit, d) pointing means connected to said central processing unit, e) clicking means connected to said central processing unit, f) a viewing display unit connected to said central processing unit, so when an user sets up a page of an adequate size on said drawing and measuring software application and defines an initial cursor position, said user may extrapolate the position of defining points of a two dimensional real life scenario into a proportionally reduced drawing on said viewing display unit by successively clicking on said critical points of a real life scenario, whereby a two dimensional area is measured and drawn.
 7. The point-and-click measuring and drawing device of claim 6, wherein said pointing means is selected from the group consisting of: Optical Tracking, Mechanical Tracking, Light Beams, Laser Distance Measurers, Ultrasonic Distance Measurers, Global Positioning Systems, Photogrammetry, Triangulation, Indoor Positioning Systems, Electromagnetic Locators, Earth's Magnetic Field, High Frequency Radio Waves, Digital Point Finders, Radar and Surveying Total Stations.
 8. The point and click measuring and drawing device of claim 6 wherein said device further comprises data input means.
 9. The point and click measuring and drawing device of claim 8 wherein said data input means are buttons.
 10. The point and click measuring device of claim 6 wherein said viewing display unit is touch sensitive whereby virtual tools are enabled.
 11. The point and click measuring device of claim 6 wherein said measuring device is a mobile phone.
 12. A power device to measure and draw real life two dimensional areas comprising: a) a central processing unit, wherein said central processing unit further has a point and click mechanism and a viewing display unit connected thereto, b) a drawing and measuring software program, wherein said drawing and measuring software program tracks and records all point and click actions by an user on a real life two dimensional area and displays said point and click actions and the distances between said point and click actions on a reduced scale on said viewing display unit, whereby said two dimensional area is drawn and measured.
 13. The point and click measuring and drawing device of claim 12 wherein said device further comprises data input means.
 14. The point and click measuring and drawing device of claim 13 wherein said data input means are buttons.
 15. The point and click measuring device of claim 12 wherein said viewing display unit is touch sensitive whereby virtual tools are enabled.
 16. The point and click measuring device of claim 12, wherein said measuring device is a mobile phone.
 17. The point and click measuring device of claim 12, wherein said measuring device is a computing tablet.
 18. A method to electronically calculate the area of an irregular two dimensional shape, comprising the steps of a) providing software means, b) providing point and click means to interact with said software means, c) providing a display screen to monitor the interactions of said software means and said point and choking means, b) defining a virtual page with said software means, viewable on said display screen, c) electronically tracing said irregular two dimensional shape with said point and click means, so a scaled down drawing of said two dimensional irregular shape fits in said virtual page, and whereby a perimeter of said irregular two dimensional shape is defined, and viewable on said display screen, d) reticulating said virtual page into a plurality of compartments, e) electronically calculating the area of each of said compartments with said software means, f) electronically calculating the sum of the areas of said compartments that are fully fitting within said perimeter, with said software means, whereby the area of an irregular two dimensional shape is calculated.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said compartments are pixels.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein said irregular shape is a curvilinear shape. 